Born from a Bandai Namco Studios rookie training program!!
Hand-in-Hand Fate-Sharing Co-op Action “Goonect”
Available for Free on Steam Starting Today, May 27th!

Phoenixx Inc. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Kazunori Sakamoto) and Bandai Namco Studios Inc. (Koto-ku, Tokyo; President: Daisuke Uchiyama) have released “Goonect,” a fate-sharing cooperative action game developed by the indie game label “GYAAR Studio,” for free on Steam starting today, May 27th.

“Goonect” is a casual 3D action game where two players connect online and move forward hand-in-hand. Whether you pair up with a close friend or family member, or jump into a random match with a stranger, you can run through adorable stages together and measure your “Bond Level” through your gameplay.

■ Born from Rookie Training! The Release of “Goonect”

This game was developed within a limited production period during the 2021 Bandai Namco Studios rookie training program. The new members collaborated on everything from planning to development.

Hoping that the experience of actually releasing a title and receiving feedback from users will lead to the future growth of these rookie creators, Phoenixx has taken on the role of publisher for this public release.

Having many people play the game and share their thoughts will serve as great encouragement for the future of these young creators. As this game is free-to-play, please feel free to grab a partner’s “hand” and enjoy it!

■ “Goonect” – Available for Free-to-Play on Steam!

The second title from “GYAAR Studio,” following Survival Quiz CITY! Please download it from our Steam page.

【Steam】 https://store.steampowered.com/app/1850360/Goonect/

Be sure to check out the promotional video as well!

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/UujqYvUhxhA

■ “Goonect” Launch Celebration! Giveaway Campaign!

1. Follow the official Phoenixx Twitter account.

2. Retweet the applicable official tweet, and you could be one of 10 lucky winners to receive an original “Goonect” mask & mask strap! The entry period ends on June 2, 2022, at 11:59 PM (JST).

<Notes>

• Prize shipping is limited to within Japan.

• Those who were already following the account before the campaign started do not need to unfollow and follow again.

• Winners will be notified via Twitter Direct Message (DM).

■ “Goonect” Game Flow

▼ Escape from the Toy Room!

Aim to escape the toy room hand-in-hand with your partner.

The path to the goal is filled with playful elements, like cute rolling penguins and walls made of game consoles♪

There might even be “Photo Spots” where you can overlook the entire stage!? Be sure to look for them!

However, if you let go of your partner’s hand… it’s instant death!?

Obstacles and traps will stand in the way of the two of you as you trot along hand-in-hand!

Overcome them together with your partner, making sure the distance between you doesn’t get too far!

▼ Overcome Gimmicks Using Rubber-Like Stretching Arms!

Whether it’s a high wall of toy blocks or blocks far away, the two of you can get past them!

Pull your partner, launch them, or sometimes even use them as a stepping stone… cooperate as you move forward!

The “perfectly in-sync feeling of unity” when you read each other’s minds is exhilarating! It will deepen your bond even further♪

▼ Reach the Goal… and Your Bond Level is Revealed! Aim for a High Rank!

Your Bond Level with your partner is calculated based on your clear time, number of deaths, and the number of hearts collected!

It will then be announced in a ranking format.

Is your “BFF” a close friend…? Or maybe a complete stranger online…? Find your ultimate partner through “Goonect”♪

■ “Goonect” Overview

©2022 Valve Corporation. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

*Screenshots are from a build in development.

GYAAR Studio

Official Website: https://www.bandainamcostudios.com/gyaarstudio

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GYAAR_Studio <@GYAAR_Studio>

◇About Bandai Namco Studios Inc.

https://www.bandainamcostudios.com/

We plan, develop, and operate home console game software, mobile content, and PC content. With the “creation of worldwide major titles” as one of our core strategies, we are actively fostering creators capable of thriving on a global scale and building a robust development framework.

Phoenixx Inc.

Official Website: https://phoenixx.ne.jp/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Phoenixx_Inc <@Phoenixx_Inc>

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7GFEi5fF9-mfLIqnyzRMDw

――― Creators – Centric

Creators hold infinite potential. Phoenixx brings Japanese creators to the world, and global creators to Japan and Asia, providing the support needed for all creators to thrive globally. Our mission is to create a future where the game and entertainment industry is even more vibrant ten years from now. We will continue to nurture individuals and titles that serve as true inspirations—ones that children all over the world will look up to and think are “cool.” To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one creator, one game and one neighborhood at a time. ―――